Job Title: Early Postdoctoral Researcher
Job Grade: 9.01
Department: Bioscience/ PUBReC
Location / Workstation: Kilifi, Kenya
Position Reports to: Principal Investigator
Directly supervises/trains and co-supervises: Assistant Research Officers and Master's students.
OVERVIEW
The Pwani University Biosciences Research Centre (PUBRec) is a research centre within Pwani University, tasked with (i) conducting high-quality research that informs the development of interventions against factors causing underdevelopment in Kenya, and (ii) providing high-quality training for the next generation of bioscience research leaders. We are seeking to appoint an early postdoctoral researcher with a PhD in bioinformatics or molecular biology to work on a collaborative programme of research. As part of our efforts to build bioinformatics capacity within the region, the candidate will work closely with the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP), located in Kilifi, 2 km from the university, and a long-standing collaborative partner of PUBRec. KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP) is one of the leading research centres in Africa. The Programme engages in a wide range of research on the main causes of ill health in Africa.
The appointed candidate will support the collaborative effort in building bioinformatics capacity by assisting MSc students, primarily during the research year. The successful candidate will also be involved in performing bioinformatics analysis for this collaborative project, which aims to understand HIV B-cell biology to inform the development of an HIV vaccine. This involves characterizing HIV-antigen-specific immunoglobulin gene usage and naïve B cell repertoires, primarily in African populations. The incumbent will also provide bioinformatics support for other ongoing immunological work within the group. He/she will require solid knowledge of bioinformatics, the ability to write and execute code, and develop custom analysis suites for projects. Additional knowledge in molecular biology techniques will be an added advantage.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Supporting the research team in bioinformatics analysis and interpretation of large sequencing data sets generated on diverse platforms (NextSeq, MiSeq, and NovaSeq).
- Coordinating data transfer, processing, and analysis with collaborators
- Technology transfer from collaborating laboratories.
- Training and supervision of AROs and interns
- Designing exploratory analysis approaches and bioinformatics pipelines.
- Working in close collaboration with the Pwani University - PUBRec, participate in bioinformatics capacity building by coordinating and supporting MSc in Bioinformatics students during the research year.
- Perform basic molecular biology procedures to generate sequencing libraries (if needed).
- Presentation of project results at different forums, locally and internationally.
- Contribute to the writing of scientific manuscripts
- Ensuring that all work done complies with the applicable regulations concerning biohazards, data privacy, Good Clinical and Laboratory Practice, and maintaining all documentation.
- And any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.
JOB DIMENSIONS
The incumbent will largely be involved in bioinformatics analysis of sequence data generated from immunoglobulin genes. The ability to perform and troubleshoot basic molecular biology techniques to generate the libraries will be an added advantage. In addition, work closely with PuBRec to support bioinformatics capacity building in the region. The appointee will work closely with collaborating partners such as those within the Collaboration for AIDS Vaccine Discovery (CAVD) network.
BUDGET/FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:
Will be responsible for a laptop and data storage, and, together with the PI, manage the budget allocated for bioinformatics analysis and capacity building.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
- A PhD. in bioinformatics, data science, or molecular biology with a very strong understanding of bioinformatics and computational analysis.
- Proficiency in programming in Python and software development stacks
- Proficiency with the Pandas Data Library and Jupiter Software Ecosystem
- Up to 4 years postdoctoral experience
- Experience in analysing large next-generation sequencing data.
- Experience in using various analytical packages such as STATA and R
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Keen interest in research
- Excellent analytical and quantitative skills
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to present and summarise results for reporting and publication
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Team working skills with the ability to work in a multi-cultural setting.
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/ CONDITIONS
- Based in Kilifi, Kenya, but be flexible to travel to other partners or collaborating institutions.
- Be available to work out of hours if necessary.
- Exposure to materials considered infectious and/or biohazards.
APPLICATION PROCESS
- Click on the title of a position you are interested in to see the full description of the post (in this case, the Early Postdoctoral Researcher).
- A link to submit the Application will be available at the bottom of the page.
- Click on the “Apply” and complete the form. You’ll be required to create an account and update your profile before applying for the preferred position.
STARTING DATE: To be communicated.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 6, 2025
NOTE: ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS will be accepted.
NOTE: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted